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Potential parents: What testing should I have before pregnancy?

If you are planning (or considering) to have a baby, it may a good time to see your OB/GYN for a prepregnancy checkup. “Ideally” this checkup should be scheduled at least three months before conception.

Additionally, you want to make certain that any pre-existing medical conditions (i.e. high blood pressure, diabetes, or thyroid problems) are well under control.

A prepregnancy checkup typically involves basic screening tests, including:

- a Pap smear

- a breast exam

- routine blood work to test your cholesterol, triglycerides, liver function, and glucose (blood sugar) levels

Perhaps more importantly, it’s a good idea to have tests done for any STD (sexually transmitted diseases) including HIV, the AIDS virus, and herpes. Many women don’t realize that if they’ve been sexually active at all (even with their lifelong partner) they could be at risk for STD.

Immunizations:

There is also the question of being up-to-date on vaccinations. Not all people choose to vaccinate – it is a controversial subject on both sides of the issue, but if you intend to receive vaccines, it’s far better to get them in advance of getting pregnant.

Rubella and chicken pox can both have devastating effects during pregnancy, yet if you’ve already had these illnesses, you already have life-long immunity.

Vaccines themselves can pose a risk of birth defects if they’re given to mothers to be.

Primary health care practitioners should have records of any immunizations you’ve received under their care. If this information is forwarded to your obstetrician’s office it will help in determining which vaccines (if any) to offer you during pre-pregnancy. You might also ask your parents or contact your former pediatrician to see if he has any records. You’d definitely want to find out which childhood illnesses you’ve already had to eliminate vaccines for illnesses you may well be already immune to. Remember, vaccines themselves can have side effects.

Pregnant women should not receive live virus vaccines, as they could harm an unborn baby. Vaccines made from dead viruses are deemed safer.

The decision regarding of genetic screening:

There are genetic screening tests that are available to couples before they conceive – this would be a personal decision, and depend on family and personal history. These tests can determine if either potential parent has a series of genes that would predispose their